Blossom POVAlmost five days have passed since my kidnapping. I have subsisted on nothing but sulfur-contaminated water and coagulated blood paste. My mind has slipped away and returned multiple times, and each return only strengthens me.My will now seems unbreakable. Following my metamorphosis, I remain in a meditative state, biding my time until the right moment reveals itself. I'm uncertain when that will be, but when it comes, I will know. Until then, I escape only within my mind.The mental fortitude I've developed amplifies my ability to transport myself to anywhere I can recall with a pinpoint photographic memory, right down to the last blade of grass in the villa's yard. What was once an incredible skill to evade my uncle's dread has become the very tool that preserves my sanity and ultimately saves my life.As I sit on the stairs with a loosely fixed posture, I might appear to be in deep contemplation. However, while my body
3rd POVDean, Caleb, and their team stand frozen, horrified by the gruesome scene that unfolds before them. Unbeknownst to them, two werewolves lurk in the shadows above, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to launch their attack.Caleb gestures toward the right wall of the slaughterhouse and says, "Bro, didn't you lose that security team?" Two of the soldiers promptly retch, unable to look away from the mangled corpses suspended by meat hooks. "This is messed up, Sir," one of the soldiers mutters to Dean after regaining his composure.Distracted by the chilling scream they had heard upon entering, Dean responds to Caleb without diverting his gaze from the cellar doors. "Yeah, but there were only four guys on that team," he points out, noting the five bodies that now hang lifelessly.As Dean approaches the cellar, he comes to a sudden stop, sensing something ominous. He hears a heartbeat—uncertain if it belongs to him, Bloss
3rd POVCaleb awakens, fully aware of the chaos around him, and shifts back into his werewolf form before effortlessly tossing the rafter off his chest. As Henry regains his balance, he spots Caleb racing toward Hugo. In a desperate attempt to impede Caleb, Henry grabs a meat hook and throws it ahead of him, yanking on the chain with force. The hook embeds itself in Caleb's calf, prompting a pained roar as he crashes to the ground, skidding into a metal table. Henry pulls the chain, dragging Caleb closer to him.Dean sees his brother in imminent danger and swiftly swipes his foot sideways at Hugo, sending him crashing against the metal wall near the cellar. Hugo slams into the surface, the impact knocking the breath from him before he slides down to the floor, hard enough to loosen the cellar doors. Loose enough for Blossom to realize they are now ajar...With a quick pivot, Dean thrusts himself forward, launching his massive weight about fifteen f
3rd POVThe memory transitioned to another scene, where Aries and Liza were plotting how, when, and where Eliza would be kidnapped, even discussing the methods of her demise. They agreed on a price for her death and shook hands, sealing Eliza's grim fate. Liza revealed the entire abduction, depicting Hugo chasing after her once she managed to escape, culminating in the horrific moment when Hugo stabbed her multiple times after mercilessly beating her.The vision shifted to a moment where Aries handed over payment, saying, "You're fortunate to be getting anything after such a colossal screw-up," clearly referring to the botched kidnapping. Dean felt a surge of anger about the situation, but he wasn't the least bit surprised. "Caleb was right," he thought within the link.Liza then transported them to the present, sharing another similar proposition with Aries regarding Blossom's potential kidnapping. She revealed Aries's plan to double-cross t
Blossom POVThees with excitement as I ride alongside Dean, returning to the villa. When the SUV pulls up, the entire housekeeping staff gathers outside, their faces alight with smiles, whistles, claps, and even tossing hats into the sky. You'd think a wedding or graduation had just taken place.Dean had called ahead to ensure outfits were prepared and informed everyone he was bringing me back, but neither of us expected what unfolds as we step out of the SUV.The cheering and clapping come to an abrupt halt. I can feel a flash of anger from Dean, but it quickly dissipates as he recalls his own reaction to my transformation, which I still haven't fully explained to him. Everyone stands gazing at me—the silver-haired she-werewolf they did not expect.To Dean's surprise, many of the elders present kneel and bow before me. At this moment, Dean, Diana, and Caleb become acutely aware of the profound impact my change has on everyone ar
Blossom POVDean awakens in a sweat, shaken by the vivid dream. Morning light streams in, and Boo snores contentedly beside him. Rising quietly, Dean heads to the villa and finds me painting in the sunroom. A smile forms on his face; it's been too long since the canvases were touched. Eliza was the last to use them, and even though she wasn't the best artist, watching her paint always brought him joy.Dean notices a van approaching the property and recognizes it as Fina's. "Wonderful, hopefully, she doesn't have a list of complaints today," he mutters to himself.He hurries to the front of the house, arriving just as Fina steps out with two other women. She spots Dean and beams, greeting him with open arms. He's puzzled but not discontented."Is Blossom here?" Fina asks after giving him a hug."She is, but she's not feeling up to company at the moment," Dean replies, just as I appear in the doorway, betraying his words."
Blossom POV Diana blushes deeply and covers her face with her hands. Seeing Caleb express such feelings leaves Dean amazed. He never imagined he'd hear those words coming from Caleb about anyone other than their mom. But here they are, and Dean's first thought is to call Jovielyn. For now, though, he simply beams a huge smile and lauds them for the serendipitous good fortune karma has woven into their lives. "You're a lucky lady, Diana. Out of all the women who have ever held my brother's hand, none have ever heard him confess his love," he says. "I'm the lucky one, bro," Caleb insists. Maria enters with lunch and an update on me. "Blossom has been pretty stationary, almost like she's meditating," she says. "And she's been more artistic recently than throughout her whole stay here. I've witnessed several of her paintings emerge as masterpieces in just a few days." Dean expresses his wonder and requests to see one of the paintings. Maria responds, "I'll try to bring one to you, bu
Blossom POV The day of the baby shower has finally arrived, and Dean is under the impression that he's orchestrated the entire event. Little does he know, his plan is just a decoy, meant to keep me unaware of the real celebration he'll soon be at the center of. He wakes up early to prepare breakfast for me before heading out for a morning run with Boo. Upon their return, Dean freshens up, opting for a moderately formal look. He suggests I dress nicely since we'll be going out for lunch in an hour or so. Agreeing, I nod and play along, even though I'm fully aware of the day's real agenda. I'm not sure if he's genuinely convinced that I'm in the dark or if he realizes I know the surprise but enjoys pretending. Either way, I appreciate having a husband who goes out of his way to surprise me. After showering, I find myself standing in front of the mirror for what feels like an eternity to Dean. I marvel at the changes in my growing belly, a source of excitement that soon turns into an